Involving men in Kenya, promoting sexual health awareness in Mexico and encouraging safer sex in New Zealand -- these are the aims of three new initiatives in HIV/AIDS funded by Positive Action, GlaxoSmithKline's international programme of HIV/AIDS education, care and support.

The announcement follows a new initiative by Positive Action to offer grants to assist local GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) business units in establishing sustainable community-based projects in HIV/AIDS. Scott Purdon, manager of Positive Action says, "Positive Action is a global programme, but global reach required local action, and more often than not, those best placed to identify local needs and opportunities are those who are in the front line. That's why we have challenged GSK's local operating companies to come forward with programmes that can really make a difference in their countries. The three programmes that we are announcing today illustrate the enthusiasm and commitment with which they have embraced that challenge."

In Kenya, Positive Action funding will be used to strengthen the Movement of Men Against AIDS in Kenya (MMAAK). By establishing drop-in centres for men seeking HIV/AIDS information, MMAAK will offer counselling services, provide condoms and convene workshops on advocacy, therapy, leadership, empowerment and communication. The goals are fewer HIV infections and the involvement of more men in caring for families and neighbours living with HIV/AIDS. Spencer Ochieng, HIV Product Manager for GSK Kenya says,"In Kenya, we have seen life expectancy decrease from 68 to 43 years of age in less than ten years."

This award will enable GSK Kenya to help identify and address key issues including stigma and discrimination, which are fuelling the epidemic in our country."

In Mexico, the funds will support a sexual health awareness programme in Mexico City schools, covering sex education, sexually transmitted diseases and the potential for HIV transmission.

"The aim," says Dr Marco Botey, of GSK Mexico, "is to reach 60,000 school children living in resource poor areas of Mexico City, making a real difference to the long-term health of the community of which we are a part."

Finally, in New Zealand, Positive Action will build on a successful New Zealand AIDS Foundation campaign to provide men with HIV education, condoms, lubricant and information on safe sex practices. The programme aims to support vulnerable groups of men including Maori and Pacific Islander populations who routinely experience difficulty in accessing HIV/AIDS information and access to condoms.

GlaxoSmithKline - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information visit GlaxoSmithKline on the World Wide Web at www.gsk.com

GSK

GSK

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. GSK has a comprehensive global programme of community partnerships focused on improving health and education. In the UK, GSK supports over 70 charitable organizations in health, science education, the arts and the environment.

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